Gender Pay Gap : Women Paid Less Than Men for the Same Work in Towns and Villages
In towns and villages across India, women are paid less than men for doing the same work, according to a recent report. The report, based on a survey of over 12,000 workers across the country, found that on average, women earn only 85% of what men earn for performing identical tasks.
The study, conducted by the Centre for Sustainable Employment at the Azim Premji University, reveals that the gender pay gap is higher among skilled workers than among unskilled workers. Women in skilled jobs earn only 76% of what their male colleagues earn, while women in unskilled jobs earn 92% of what men in the same roles earn.
The report also highlights the prevalence of wage discrimination in the informal sector, where women often work without contracts or legal protection. Female workers in the informal sector earn only 78% of what male workers earn, on average.
The findings of this report are especially concerning in light of India’s growing female labor force participation rate. While women now account for 28% of the country’s workforce, up from 22% in 2005, their wages continue to lag behind those of men.
The gender pay gap not only perpetuates economic inequality but also has broader social implications. Lower wages for women can lead to a lack of financial independence, reduced access to education and healthcare, and increased vulnerability to domestic violence and other forms of exploitation.
To address the problem, the report recommends measures such as pay transparency, stronger legal protections for workers, and greater investment in skills training and education for women.
B) Why this News is Important: Title: Gender Pay Gap Persists in India, With Serious Implications
Despite advances in women’s rights and increased female labor force participation in India, a persistent gender pay gap continues to exist. This has serious implications not only for women’s economic empowerment but also for their overall well-being and that of society as a whole.
The recent report by the Centre for Sustainable Employment at the Azim Premji University sheds light on the extent of the problem, revealing that women in towns and villages across India are paid less than men for performing the same work. The gender pay gap is higher among skilled workers, highlighting the need for greater investment in skills training and education for women. The report also highlights the prevalence of wage discrimination in the informal sector, where women often work without legal protection.
The findings of this report underscore the need for stronger legal protections for workers and greater efforts to promote pay transparency. Addressing the gender pay gap is not only a matter of economic justice but also has broader social implications, including for women’s access to education and healthcare, their financial independence, and their vulnerability to exploitation.
C) Historical Context: Title: Gender Pay Gap in India: A Historical Perspective
The gender pay gap in India has a long history, dating back to the colonial era. During this time, women were largely excluded from formal employment, and those who did work were paid significantly less than men. The wage gap persisted even after independence, with women continuing to be concentrated in low-paying sectors such as agriculture and domestic work.
In recent decades, there have been some advances in reducing the gender pay gap in India. For example, the government has introduced legislation to promote pay equity and equal opportunity in the workplace. There has also been an increase in women’s labor force participation, albeit from a low base.
However, progress has been slow and uneven. The gender pay gap remains high, and women are disproportionately concentrated in low-paying, informal jobs. Discrimination, including unconscious bias, continues to play a role in perpetuating the wage gap.
Key Takeaways from “Women Paid Less Than Men for Same Work in Towns and Villages”
| Serial Number | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Women in towns and villages are paid less than men for the same work. |
| 2 | The gender pay gap in India is persistent and widespread. |
| 3 | The gender pay gap is caused by a number of factors, including occupational segregation and discrimination. |
| 4 | Addressing the gender pay gap requires a multi-faceted approach, including measures such as pay transparency, anti-discrimination laws, and policies that promote work-life balance. |
| 5 | The gender pay gap has significant implications for women’s economic security and independence. |
Important FAQs for Students from this News
Q. What is the gender pay gap?
A. Gender pay gap refers to the difference in earnings between men and women in the workforce.
Q. How is the gender pay gap calculated?
A. The gender pay gap is calculated as the percentage difference between the average earnings of men and women.
Q. What is the cause of the gender pay gap?
A. The gender pay gap is caused by a number of factors, including occupational segregation, discrimination, and differences in experience and education.
Q. How can we address the gender pay gap?
A. Addressing the gender pay gap requires a multi-faceted approach, including measures such as pay transparency, anti-discrimination laws, and policies that promote work-life balance.
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